The Male Reproductive System
Reproductive system - the system of organs involved in producing offspring.
The male reproductive system includes both external and internal organs.
The two main functions of the male reproductive system are the production and storage
of sperm and the transfer of sperm to the female's body during intercourse.
Sperm - the male reproductive cell.
The male reproductive system reaches maturity between the ages of 12 and 15.
Hormones produced in the pituitary gland stimulate the production of testosterone, the
male sex hormone.
Testosterone initiates physical changes that signal maturity.
A physically mature male is capable of producing sperm for the rest of his life.
The External Male Reproductive Organs
The testes, penis, and scrotum are involved in the process of reproduction.
Testes - two small glands that produce sperm.
Testes are located in the scrotum.
Scrotum - an external skin sac.
Penis - tube-shaped organ that extends from the trunk of the body just above the testes.
The penis is composed of spongy tissue that contains many blood vessels.
Becomes enlarged and erect when blood flow to the penis increases.
Males experience erections easily and frequently during puberty.
The penis releases semen, which is a thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions
from the male reproductive system.
At the height of sexual arousal, a series of muscular contractions known as ejaculation
may occur.
Fertilization - joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell can result if ejaculation
occurs during sexual intercourse.
At birth a male has a covering of loose skin, called foreskin, over the tip of the penis.
(Circumcision - often performed for religious or cultural reasons.)
Sperm cannot live in temperatures higher than that of 98.6 degrees body temperature.
The scrotum protects the sperm by keeping the testes slightly below normal body
temperature.
When a male begins to produce sperm, he may experience nocturnal emissions or
ejaculations.
Normal function that relieves the buildup of pressure as sperm begins to be produced
during puberty.
Internal Male Reproductive Organs
Sperm are produced in the testes but the sperm must travel through several structures
inside the body.
Vas deferens - tubes that extend from each epididymis to the urethra.
Urethra - the passageway through which both semen and urine leave the male body.
Seminal vesicle - sperm combines with a nourishing fluid produced by the seminal
vesicles.
Prostate Gland and Cowper's Gland - secretions from the prostate gland and the
Cowper's Glands combine with the sperm-containing fluid to form semen.
Care of the Male Reproductive System
Medical checkups, hygiene protection, and self-examination
Get regular checkups
Bathe regularly
Wear protective equipment
Perform regular self-examinations
Practice abstinence
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The primary means of transmission is sexual activity.
The benefit of abstinence is the prevention of STDs
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea - bacterial infections that cause discharge from the penis or
burning upon urination; both of which can damage reproductive health.
Can be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis - a bacterial infection where a painless reddish sore appears at the site of
infection. If left untreated syphilis can spread and damage internal organs.
Can be treated with antibiotics.
Genital herpes - a virus that causes periodically occurring blister-like sores in the genital
area.
Medication relieves symptoms, but the virus remains in the body for life.
Problems of the Male Reproductive System
Inguinal hernia - a separation of tissue that allows part of the intestine to push into the
abdominal wall near the top of the scrotum.
Straining the abdominal muscles or lifting heavy objects can cause a tear in the tissue.
Symptoms: a lump in the groin near the thigh, pain in the groin, or partial or complete
blockage of the intestine (severe)
Surgery is usually necessary to repair the opening in the muscle wall.
Sterility
Sterility - the inability to reproduce.
Result of: too few sperm (fewer than 20 million per millimeter of seminal fluid)
Sperm of poor quality
Sterility can result from environmental hazards:
exposure to X-rays (radiation)
Toxic chemicals
Lead
Hormonal imbalance, certain medications, and the use of drugs (steroids) can damage
sperm.
STDs and mumps contracted as an adult can result in sterility.
Testicular Cancer and Problems of the Prostate
Affects males of any age (most often between the ages of 14 and 40)
Factors that increase the risk of developing testicular cancer:
-undescended testicle
-abnormal testicular development
-family history of testicular cancer
With early detection most testicular cancer is treatable through surgery, radiation
therapy, or chemotherapy.
The prostate gland can become enlarged as a result of an infection, a tumor, and agerelated problems.
Presses against the urethra, resulting in frequent or difficult urination.
Symptoms may also include more serious conditions - Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer screenings are usually done during routine physical exams for males
over 50
Testicular Exam
Check for any swelling on the scrotum skin.
Examine each testicle with both hands.
Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers.
Find the epididymis and become familiar with this structure so you won't mistake it for a
lump.
Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also appear on
the front.
Although lumps do not always indicate the presence of cancer, be sure to consult a
health care professional if you do find a lump.